Luke 6:17-26 The Flip Side of Blessing

Observation: In Luke's version of the Beatitudes, Jesus is more concrete with his blessings. Instead of the "poor in spirit", he blessed the poor. Instead of "those who hunger and thirst for righteousness", he blesses the hungry. And with those blessings come woes: to the rich, the full, the laughing. It's not a "curse" exactly: it's just an announcement of a reality, that those for whom life is easy now may face a difficult road ahead.

Application: I was talking with my wife last night about how I wish I could go on a retreat with Jesus: a nice long weekend of conversation and encouragement.

Except I know it probably wouldn't be like that. Jesus was kind in many settings, but he wasn't always "nice." And he was known for "afflicting the comfortable." Luke's Beatitudes are an excellent example of Jesus' discipling style: a combination of invitation and challenge (or as Lutherans would frame it, "law" and "Gospel"). Jesus invites, heals and comforts when we need it, but he is also willing to share some very uncomfortable truths: like, for instance, that material comfort and success in the world can be a huge obstacle to following Jesus and experiencing God's abundant life.

A weekend with Jesus would probably not be "restful" or even "fun", but it would be transformative, because it would remind us who we are and whose we are.

Prayer: Jesus, thank you for calling and inviting me on this journey. May I gratefully receive your challenge as a gift. Amen.